Rizzoli Institute surgeons perform complex bone reconstruction in Panama

Surgeons from the Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute in Bologna, Italy, traveled to Panama City to perform a complex surgery on an 8-year-old boy suffering from osteosarcoma in his humerus.

Due to the patient's age, the primary challenge was not only removing the tumor but also reconstructing the bone to prevent limb length discrepancy. To ensure the arm could continue to grow, doctors utilized an advanced technique involving a vascularized fibula. This microsurgical procedure involves taking a piece of the patient's own fibula, including the necessary blood vessels, and transplanting it to replace the humerus. This allows the transplanted bone to grow and eventually function as a humerus.

The operation, performed in collaboration with the Ciudad de la Salud hospital, lasted over 10 hours. The mission was initiated following a request from Panamanian physician Ahmed Atherley, a former fellow at the Rizzoli Institute.